Biodiversity alludes to the diverse set of plant, animal, microbial, and fungal species found on Earth. Biodiversity encompasses not just rare or endangered species but also includes every living creature, from humans to microorganisms. According to estimates, there are approximately 8.7 million species of animals and plants (FuseSchool – Global Education). The extinction of a species may have negative consequences on several levels, including plants, other animals, and the physical environment. In recent years, several human activities have significantly reduced biodiversity. Hence, this includes habitat loss, species exploitation, pollution, alien species emergence, and climate change (FuseSchool – Global Education). Humans are responsible for preserving a healthy biodiversity level via various preventative measures.
Each year, environmental pollution increases, and humans are accountable for this. It is our responsibility to limit any form of pollution. Concerns exist around the reuse and recycling of waste items. For the sake of the environment, we must use environmentally friendly, recyclable items and not contain dangerous substances. In addition, plant cover aids in the prevention of soil erosion. In agricultural regions, woodlands and hedgerows serve as effective windbreaks, while the vegetation on dunes may shelter coastal regions from wind and sea erosion.
Ecosystems aid in maintaining a healthy equilibrium of atmospheric gases. A healthy ecosystem decreases the likelihood of global and regional climatic changes (FuseSchool – Global Education). Trees and other vegetation store carbon and reduce the danger of global warming by preventing the accumulation of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Concurrently, we should concentrate on fire regime monitoring because activities involving fire, such as burning forests for crop production, can be the trigger of forest fires, thus destroying native plant species and animal populations. In addition, nonhuman primates play crucial roles in forest ecosystems, cultures, and ecological equilibrium. They assist directly in the regeneration of tropical forests and the maintenance of a healthy environment. Without primates such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, it would be impossible to disseminate many seeds. As prey, predators, and mutualist species, they impact ecosystems’ structure, operation, and stability.
Ultimately, biodiversity is essential to the majority of facets of our existence, and each individual should value and cherish it. Biodiversity satisfies several fundamental human needs, such as food, shelter, medicine, and fuel. In addition, ecosystems offer essential functions, including pollination, seed distribution, temperature regulation, purification of water, pest control, and nutrient cycling. Humans also appreciate biodiversity for cultural purposes, such as spiritual or religious considerations.
Work Cited
FuseSchool – Global Education. “Human Impacts on Biodiversity | Ecology and Environment | Biology | FuseSchool.” YouTube, 2017.